Appendix D to Part 380 - School Bus Endorsement Training Curriculum
49:5.1.1.2.23.7.11.13.7 : Appendix D
Appendix D to Part 380 - School Bus Endorsement Training Curriculum
School bus (S) endorsement applicants must complete the
curriculum outlined in this section, which applies to
driver-trainees who expect to operate a “school bus” as defined in
§ 383.5. There is no required minimum number of instruction hours
for theory training, but the training provider must cover all the
topics set forth in the curriculum. There is no required minimum
number of instruction hours for BTW training, but the training
provider must determine whether driver-trainees have demonstrated
proficiency in all elements of the BTW curriculum. Training
instructors must document the total number of clock hours each
driver-trainee spends to complete the BTW curriculum. The training
must be conducted in a school bus of the same vehicle group as the
applicant intends to drive. The school bus endorsement training
must, at a minimum, include the following:
Theory Instruction Unit D1.1 Danger Zones and Use of Mirrors
This unit must teach driver-trainees the danger zones that exist
around the school bus and the techniques to ensure the safety of
those around the bus. These techniques include correct mirror
adjustment and usage. The types of mirrors and their use must be
discussed, as well as the requirements found in Federal Motor
Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 111 (49 CFR 571.111). Training
providers must teach driver-trainees the dangers of “dart-outs.”
Training providers must teach driver-trainees the importance of
training students how to keep out of the danger zone when around
school buses and the techniques for doing so.
Unit D1.2 Loading and Unloading
This unit must be instruct driver-trainees on the laws and
regulations for loading and unloading, as well as the required
procedures for students waiting at a bus stop and crossing the
roadway at a bus stop. Special dangers involved in loading and
unloading must be specifically discussed, including procedures to
ensure the danger zone is clear and that no student has been caught
in the doorway prior to moving the vehicle. Instruction also must
be included on the proper use of lights, stop arms, crossing gates,
and safe operation of the door during loading and unloading; the
risks involved with leaving students unattended on a school bus;
and the proper techniques for checking the bus for sleeping
children and lost items at the end of each route.
Unit D1.3 Vehicle Orientation
This unit must teach driver-trainees the basic physical and
operational characteristics of school buses, including overall
height, length, width, ground clearances, rear overhang, Gross
Vehicle Weight and Gross Vehicle Weight Rating, axle weights,
wheels and rims, tires, tire ratings, mirrors, steer wheels,
lighting, windshield, windshield wipers, engine compartments, basic
electrical system, brake systems, as applicable, and spare tire
storage. Additionally, the training providers must instruct
driver-trainees in techniques for proper driver seat and mirror
adjustments.
Unit D1.4 Post-Crash Procedures
This unit must instruct driver-trainees on the proper procedures
following a school bus crash. The instruction must include use of
fire extinguisher(s), first aid kit(s), tending to injured
passengers, post-crash vehicle securement, notification procedures,
deciding whether to evacuate the bus, data gathering, and
interaction with law enforcement officials.
Unit D1.5 Emergency Exit and Evacuation
This unit must teach driver-trainees their role in safely
evacuating the bus in an emergency and planning for an emergency in
advance. Training must include proper evacuation methods and
procedures, such as the safe evacuation of students on field and
activity trips who only occasionally ride school buses and thus may
not be familiar with the procedures.
Unit D1.6 Railroad-Highway Grade Crossings
This unit must teach driver-trainees the dangers trains present
and the importance of the school bus driver and students strictly
following railroad crossing procedures. Instruction must be given
on the types of crossings, warning signs and devices, and State and
local procedures and regulations for school buses when crossing
railroad-highway grade crossings.
Unit D1.7 Student Management
This unit must teach driver-trainees how to manage student
behavior on the bus to ensure that safety is maintained and the
rights of others are respected. Specific student management
techniques must be discussed, including warning signs of bullying
and the techniques for managing student behavior and administering
discipline. Training providers must teach driver-trainees to avoid
becoming distracted by student behavior while driving, especially
when crossing railroad tracks and during loading and unloading.
Unit D1.8 Special Safety Considerations
This unit must teach the driver-trainees the special safety
considerations and equipment in school bus operations. Topics
discussed must include use of strobe lights, driving in high winds,
safe backing techniques, and preventing tail swing crashes.
Unit D1.9 Pre- and Post-Trip Inspections
This unit must teach the driver-trainees the importance of
pre-trip, enroute, and post-trip inspections; and provide
instruction in techniques for conducting such inspections of buses
as stated in §§ 392.7 and 396.11, and additionally demonstrate
their ability to inspect the following:
(1) Stop arms,
(2) Crossing arms,
(3) Emergency exits,
(4) Fire extinguishers,
(5) Passenger seats,
(6) First aid kits,
(7) Interior lights, and
(8) Temperature control (for maintaining passenger comfort).
Training providers must instruct driver-trainees in State and
local requirements, as applicable, for inspection of school bus
equipment.
Unit D1.10 School Bus Security
This unit must teach driver-trainees the security issues facing
school bus drivers. Training providers must also teach
driver-trainees potential security threats, techniques for
preventing and responding to security threats, how to recognize and
report suspicious behavior, and what to do in the event of a
hijacking or attack on a school bus.
Unit D1.11 Route and Stop Reviews
This unit must teach driver-trainees the importance of planning
their routes prior to beginning driving in order to avoid
distraction while on the road. The training provider must also
teach driver-trainees the techniques for reviewing routes and
stops, as well as State and local procedures for reporting hazards
along the route and at bus stops.
Behind the Wheel - Range and Public Road
This unit must consist of exercises related to basic vehicle
control skills and mastery of basic maneuvers. Activities in this
unit will take place on a driving range or a public road as defined
in § 380.605. The instructor must engage in active communication
with the driver-trainees during all active training sessions.
Unit D2.1 Danger Zones and Use of Mirrors
Driver-trainees must demonstrate the techniques necessary to
ensure the safety of persons in the danger zone around the bus.
Driver-trainees must practice mirror adjustment and usage. The
types of mirrors and their use are shown, and cones used to
demonstrate the requirements of 49 CFR 571.111.
Unit D2.2 Loading and Unloading
Driver-trainees must demonstrate the loading and unloading
techniques learned in the theory portion of the training.
Driver-trainees must demonstrate checking the vehicle for sleeping
children and lost items at the end of the route.
Unit D2.3 Emergency Exit and Evacuation
Driver-trainees must demonstrate their role in safely evacuating
the bus in an emergency.
Unit D2.4 Special Safety Considerations
Driver-trainees must demonstrate safe backing techniques and
demonstrate their ability to avoid tail swing crashes by using
reference points when making turns.
Unit D2.5 Pre- and Post-Trip Inspections
Driver-trainees must demonstrate proficiency in conducting
pre-and post-trip inspections, as stated in §§ 392.7 and 396.11,
and of school bus-specific equipment, such as mirrors, stop arms,
crossing arms, emergency exits, fire extinguishers, passenger
seats, first aid kits, interior lights, and temperature
control.
Unit D2.6 Railroad-Highway Grade Crossings
Driver-trainees must demonstrate proper procedures for safely
navigating railroad-highway grade crossings in a school bus.
[81 FR 88794, Dec. 8, 2016]